Laxmannath Road check-gate to be ready by January 1

Trial run is scheduled to start from December 1 onwards

Preparation is in full swing to make modernised unified check-gate at Laxmannath Road in Balasore district functional from January 1 next.

Electronics Corporation of India Limited, which has been assigned with the task to develop modernised check-gate, has been asked to complete installation of all equipment by the month end. Modernisation of check-gates assumes significance as it is expected to reduce human involvement in tax-collection, thereby diminishing the scope of corruption.

The trial run of system is scheduled to start from December 1 onwards.

The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (CCT) will be monitoring the functioning of the new system. The slew of decisions was taken in a high level meeting taken recently by Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Minister U. N. Behera. While monitoring the new system, the CCT,

Odisha should take steps to ensure smooth pass of vehicles through the check gate within minimum time. Similarly, the incoming vehicles should be cleared after check and deposit of token.

The State government decided to use the experience of staff and security personnel deployed in Luhurachati checkgate in Bargarh district which has since been modernised.

Special Director General of Police (Headquarters) would withdraw one platoon police deployed a Luhurachati Checkgate and deploy the same at the Laxmannath Road checkgate for smooth functioning of the modernised check gate.

Similarly, transport commissioner would withdraw 18 data entry operators from Luhurachati checkgate and deploy them in Laxmannath check gate. CCT has been asked to put in place required man power at the check gate.

As per the plan, ECIL will provide necessary hand holding training to the DEOs to be deployed in the check gates and other staffs for operation of the new system. Besides, ECIL would ensure regular calibration of weigh bridges and other measuring equipments and also ensure that motor vehicle penalty is imposed as per actual through the system.

State government operates as many as 24 bordering entry checkgates. Collection of entry tax at checkgates is a major source of tax for the government.

An estimated Rs. 700 crore annually is collected at check-gates.

Mordernisation of check-gate involving development of lanes and control counters for waiting vehicles, above all automation of process was thought of to check pilferage of taxes.